In the event you’re heading to Moab, Utah, and never planning to hike, you’re doing it improper. This desert city is a mecca for out of doors journey, house to a number of the most unimaginable landscapes within the American Southwest. Whether or not you’re chasing iconic arches, hidden canyons, or epic rim views, one of the best hikes in Moab ship all of it.
We’ve hiked them. We’ve sweated via them. And now we’re sharing the 12 finest Moab hikes, from beginner-friendly trails to backcountry routes that’ll blow your mountain climbing boots off. That is your go-to path information for Arches Nationwide Park, Canyonlands Nationwide Park, Useless Horse Level, and secret native favorites that don’t make each checklist.
Let’s dive in.
Soar to the Finest Hikes in Moab
Examine the Finest Moab Hikes
1. Fisher Towers Path: Finest Quick Scenic Hike in Moab
Fisher Towers seems like Mars determined to construct a skyline. This quick path winds round towering pink spires which have been carved by centuries of wind and water, they usually’re as weird as they’re lovely.
We tackled this one mid-morning and regretted not going earlier—it will get scorching. However the payoff? Unbelievable views during. The ultimate overlook offers you a panoramic shot of the complete formation, and it’s a photographer’s dream. There’s even a picnic space again on the trailhead for a well-earned break.
Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 km)
Issue: Reasonable
Elevation Achieve: 448 ft
Trailhead: Fisher Towers Picnic Space
2. Hidden Valley Path: Moab’s Most Underrated Viewpoint
This one’s for the hikers who like incomes their solitude. Hidden Valley isn’t on most Moab bucket lists, however it needs to be. You’ll begin with a steep, no-nonsense climb that’ll get your coronary heart pounding, after which immediately… it opens up into a large, quiet basin ringed by cliffs.
It’s referred to as “Hidden Valley” for a motive. We noticed deer, heard nothing however the wind, and had the entire place to ourselves. Observe the correct fork close to the top to see historical petroglyphs etched into the rock.
Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 km)
Issue: Reasonable
Elevation Achieve: 1469 ft (448 m)
Trailhead: Hidden Valley Trailhead
3. Delicate Arch (Arches NP)
In the event you solely do one hike in Moab, make it this one. Delicate Arch is the famous person of Arches Nationwide Park—and simply among the best hikes in Moab. The three-mile path climbs slick rock and hugs the sting of a rock face earlier than revealing the 52-foot freestanding arch in all its glory.
We hit the path at 6 AM, half-asleep however decided to beat the crowds. By the point the solar broke over the horizon, the arch was glowing orange, and we had it nearly totally to ourselves. Value each pre-dawn grumble.
Professional tip: Deliver a headlamp in the event you go early or late. There’s no shade, no water, and no forgiveness for unprepared hikers.
Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
Issue: Reasonable
Elevation Achieve: 629 ft (192 m)
Trailhead: Delicate Arch Trailhead
4. Home windows Loop: Straightforward Household Hike
That is the Moab hike you’re taking once you’re drained, hungry, or touring with youngsters who simply must see an arch already. It’s a fast loop that serves up a number of the greatest, most accessible arches in Arches Nationwide Park, no sweat required.
We hit it simply earlier than sundown, and the entire space lit up prefer it was on fireplace. The gravel path is easy, and you will get nice views with out a lot effort. It’s a terrific “relaxation day” hike or the right first cease in the event you’re quick on time.
Distance: 0.7 miles (1 km)
Issue: Straightforward
Elevation Achieve: 98 ft (30 m)
Trailhead: The Home windows Loop Trailhead
5. Devils Backyard Primitive Loop: Epic Full-Day Journey
That is the massive one. In the event you’re up for a full-day journey with jaw-dropping surroundings and fewer crowds, Devils Backyard is likely one of the finest hikes in Moab. You’ll hit a number of arches—together with Panorama Arch (longer than a soccer subject), Double O Arch, and the secluded Non-public Arch. There’s a primitive path and the principle path, so the selection is yours.
The path isn’t technically arduous, however it calls for stamina and confidence. Some components are unmarked and require just a little scrambling. We received rotated as soon as, stood on a ledge questioning if we had been mountain goats, after which high-fived once we discovered our manner.
Distance: 7 miles (11 km)
Issue: Troublesome
Elevation Achieve: ~500 ft
Trailhead: Devils Backyard Trailhead
6. Grand View Level Path: High Sundown Hike in Canyonlands
Grand View Level lives as much as the identify. This path, positioned within the Island within the Sky district of Canyonlands Nationwide Park, is brief, straightforward, and ridiculously scenic. You’ll stroll alongside the sting of a cliffside mesa with panoramic views that stretch all the best way to the La Sal Mountains and past.
We introduced snacks, parked ourselves on the remaining overlook, and watched the complete desert flooring flip gold. In the event you’re selecting one straightforward hike for an unforgettable sundown, that is it.
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km spherical journey)
Issue: Straightforward
Elevation Achieve: 160 ft (49 m)
Trailhead: Grand View Level Trailhead
For a good higher view of this space, you may wish to leap on this tremendous widespread Helicopter flight which provides you a terrific take a look at this panorama from the sky.
7. Morning Glory Bridge Hike through Grandstaff Canyon
If you wish to combine issues up, that is the hike. Morning Glory Bridge sits hidden in Grandstaff Canyon, a lush slice of inexperienced in the midst of pink rock nation. The path winds via willows and cottonwoods, and also you’ll hop throughout a stream greater than as soon as. (Deliver water footwear—you’ll thank us later.)
On the finish, you’re rewarded with a jaw-dropping 243-foot pure bridge. We stayed there for practically an hour, simply watching the sunshine shift and echoing our voices via the canyon.
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Issue: Reasonable
Elevation Achieve: ~300 ft
Trailhead: Grandstaff Canyon Parking Lot
8. Useless Horse Level Rim Loop: Canyon Views With out Crowds
Think about standing on a cliff 2,000 ft above the Colorado River with nobody else round. That’s Useless Horse Level. Whereas the overlook pulls within the crowds, the Rim Loop Path stays surprisingly quiet, regardless of providing nonstop views that rival the Grand Canyon.
We looped this path in simply over two hours and barely handed one other soul. The dramatic drop-offs and sweeping bends within the river under made it one in all our favourite hikes in Moab for pictures. Simply don’t overlook your water, shade is scarce.
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Issue: Reasonable
Elevation Achieve: 908 ft (277 m)
Trailhead: Basin Overlook Parking Space (Useless Horse Level State Park)
9. Double Arch Path: Best Hike in Arches Nationwide Park
Double Arch is perhaps the simplest hike in Arches Nationwide Park—however it’s removed from boring. This quick path leads you to an enormous twin arch that’s as tall as a four-story constructing and excellent for scrambling beneath.
We did this one at excessive midday (not really useful!) and nonetheless beloved it. There’s one thing humbling about standing beneath two big stone arcs which have stood there for millennia. In the event you’re quick on time or touring with youngsters, that is the right “wow” hike.
Distance: 0.6 miles (1 km)
Issue: Straightforward
Elevation Achieve: 95 ft (29 m)
Trailhead: Balanced Rock Parking Space
10. Mesa Arch Dawn Path in Canyonlands
In the event you’re chasing that good Instagram shot, Mesa Arch delivers. This quick, well-marked path results in one of the well-known dawn views in Utah. Because the solar rises, it shines via the arch, lighting up the pink canyon under prefer it’s been set on fireplace.
We arrived at Canyonlands Nationwide Park at midnight with headlamps and joined a quiet line of sleepy hikers ready for the present. And when it hit? Absolute magic. Even in the event you’re not an early riser, Mesa Arch is well worth the effort.
Distance: 0.7 miles (1.1 km)
Issue: Straightforward
Elevation Achieve: 88 ft (27 m)
Trailhead: Mesa Arch Parking Lot (Island within the Sky, Canyonlands)
11. Mill Creek Path: Swim and Hike Simply Minutes from Moab
Want a break from pink rock and dry warmth? Mill Creek is your oasis. This straightforward path follows a shallow creek previous small waterfalls, shady groves, and secret swimming spots simply minutes from downtown Moab. Sure—actual water within the desert.
We did this one in flip-flops and bathing fits, and it felt like we’d stumbled into an area secret. It’s a brief hike however tremendous rewarding, particularly in the event you’re touring in summer season and want a fast cooldown.
Distance: 2 miles
Issue: Straightforward
Elevation Achieve: 66 ft (20 m)
Trailhead: Mill Creek Trailhead (East of Moab)
12. Fiery Furnace Path: The Most Complicated Hike in Moab
This one’s probably not a path, it’s a labyrinth. Fiery Furnace is a sandstone maze of tight slot canyons, tunnels, and arches that can check your navigation abilities. It’s quick in distance, however don’t let that idiot you. You will get misplaced, and that’s half the enjoyable.
We joined a ranger-guided hike (extremely really useful), and nonetheless discovered ourselves doing the outdated “wait, have we been right here already?” routine. However between the echoing canyons and otherworldly formations, this is likely one of the most unforgettable hikes in Moab.
Word: You want a allow or to guide a ranger-led tour to hike right here legally.
Distance: 2 miles
Issue: Reasonable (Navigation-heavy)
Elevation Achieve: ~300 ft
Trailhead: Fiery Furnace Trailhead (Arches NP)
Incessantly Requested Questions About Climbing in Moab
So, now you’ve received some mountain climbing path inspiration, what else ought to ? We’ve ready some essential solutions to frequent questions on Moab hikes.
Climbing in Moab is adventurous, dry, and stuffed with dramatic pink rock surroundings. With canyons, arches, and slick rock trails, it’s among the best mountain climbing locations within the U.S. Be ready for excessive climate, restricted shade, and occasional flash floods—particularly in slot canyons.
Necessities for mountain climbing in Moab embrace a hydration pack or water bottle, solar safety (hat, sunscreen, sun shades), layered clothes, insect repellent, first assist equipment, sturdy mountain climbing boots, and water footwear for creek trails. Flashlights or headlamps are additionally helpful for dawn and sundown hikes.
Double Arch Path is the simplest hike in Moab. It’s simply 0.6 miles (1 km) round-trip with 95 ft of elevation acquire and results in one of many park’s most spectacular arches. Home windows Loop is one other beginner-friendly choice with nice views and easy accessibility.
Spring (March to Could) and fall (September to November) are one of the best occasions to hike in Moab. These seasons supply cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and safer path situations in comparison with the acute warmth of summer season or snow in winter.
Keep close to Arches or Canyonlands for early path entry. Price range choices embrace campgrounds and RV websites. Purple Cliffs Lodge is a superb mid-range lodge with excursions and nice views, whereas Hoodoo Moab affords a luxurious stick with a pool, spa, and easy accessibility to city.
And in the event you’ve received various days to spare, don’t cease at Moab. Utah is full of jaw-dropping parks simply ready to blow your mountain climbing boots off—Zion Nationwide Park, Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park, Capitol Reef Nationwide Park, Goblin Valley… and possibly a number of hidden gems we haven’t even stumbled throughout but. So lace up, hit the highway, and completely satisfied mountain climbing.
